Fall Drug Take Back Day scheduled for October 28

In a partnership between the Prosper Police and Fire departments, residents are invited to drop off their outdated, unwanted or excess prescription or over-the-counter drugs, medications and medicines during the fall version of Drug Take Back Day.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Central Fire Station, 1500 East First Street. Secured boxes will be available for the drop-off with personnel on-hand to accept the medications.

“Prescription drug abuse is still a problem, although perhaps not as serious here in Prosper as in other places,” said Police Chief Doug Kowalski. “Nevertheless, these Drug Take Back events help us in the fight against drug abuse. Prescription drugs can be either stolen in a break-in or simply taken from a medicine cabinet by a relative or visitor. From there they can be sold or exchanged, often with disastrous consequences.”

The drop-off service is designed to provide a place where these potentially dangerous drugs can be safely taken and disposed. No drugs will be accepted either before or after the hours of the event, and the program is not designed to collect illicit or illegal drugs. Needles and syringes used to administer medications will be accepted.

“Taking these drugs out of circulation is critical, of course, but keeping them out of our water system is also important,” said Fire Chief Stuart Blasingame. “Some people will flush prescription drugs down their toilets or pour them into sinks. That places the entire community at risk. It’s much safer for everyone to bring those drugs to the Fire Station.”

Drug Take Back Day is free, and no questions will be asked about the origin of the drugs or how the individual came into possession of them.

During previous Drug Take Back Day events, residents have turned in enough old and expired drugs to fill up several large containers.

For more information on the program, residents may contact the program’s coordinator Firefighter/Paramedic Marty Nevil at 972-347-2424 or send her an e-mail message at marty.nevil@prosperfire.com.